By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council entered the history archives with a 9.30am start to proceedings at the Presentation Centre and the prerogative of the new Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke and agreed with the members at the annual meeting last month.
But the meeting commenced on a pessimistic note when the Cathaoirleach noticed some empty spaces and “no representatives from County Hall”, a situation inspired by annual leave enjoyed by district managers.
Cllr O’Rourke had no problems with the entitlement of annual leave but felt that replacements should have been sent up from Wexford to answer members’ queries. He felt their absences was “discourteous” and other members showed agreement.
Cllr Jackser Owens would have to apologise to his constituents for no answers to planning issues he wished to raise, and he was angry. “What are the officials doing for this district. Someone should have come here. No one is here. It’s not good enough,” he stated strongly.
Cllr Cathal Byrne said there were many issues to be discussed. “Surely, someone could come up here (from Wexford County Council) for 10 minutes and listen to us,” he wondered.
Later Acting Director of Services, Paul L’Estrange, joined the meeting. He explained that there was a mix-up about the starting time he was given and apologised for not being present from the start. He was welcomed to the meeting and remained till the end.
However, the matter doesn’t end here! The Cathaoirleach won the full backing of the members to write to the Chief Executive and demand that officials from County Hall either appear in person or send representatives to future meetings.
WexfordLocal.com 